2012 (June) Le Matin - Interviews 2012-2015 - File Catalog

He does not like being told that he is handsome and looks away when we approach the subject. However, Simon Baker, 42, caused a stir yesterday in Chantilly, near Paris, where he attended the Prix de Diane Longines as a new brand ambassador of Swiss watches. Sleek, slim, with perfect golden locks, the actor from "The Mentalist" laughs despite his appearance in this interview. And he likes to tease his great love for 22 years, Australian actress Rebecca Rigg. "She did not want to come because the idea of wearing a hat at the track did not appeal. Ah, if you knew my wife!" he jokes.

Was the enthusiasm for "The Mentalist" hard to manage as a couple? Not at all. There is no competition between us. Rebecca had anyway decided to put her career on hold after the birth of our second child. In her spare time, with what is left with three children, she likes to plan our vacation. Rebecca also writes extensively. Fiction, screenplays, and she’s also taken courses in psychology and religion at the university. I swear she is much busier than me although I’m working.

What kind of husband are you? I do not cook! But this is Rebecca's fault. She cooks so well that I never had any reason to give it a try. It's like my French is very poor. She speaks French well so I don’t try. On the other hand, I'm good when it comes to fixing something. This is a very dangerous quality. Because my wife always hopes that I will be able to repair everything and anything. Like if she dropped her phone, she will count on me! While I know nothing. But I'm stubborn, I will try. I'll pull it to pieces to see if I can find a solution.

You have three children. Would they like to become actors? Stella, almost 19 years, wants to follow a more intellectual course, she is at university. Both my sons (note: 13 and 10) dream of making films. They love action movies and spend their time simulating fights. (He pretends to take blows and kicking.) They are funny. I do not encourage them to become actors, but I do not discourage them either. For one like me who succeeds, there are thousands still struggling.

Was it very difficult at the beginning? Not really. I survived thanks to my small roles. Once, I worked in the kitchen. I was doing less damage by washing the dishes than as a server. And I worked a little in construction. I love working with my hands. Build and ..... destroy stuff. (Laughter.)

You melt women and have often been voted 'sexiest man in showbiz. " Are you afraid that one day it will stop? On the contrary. I look forward to growing old for it to stop. (Laughter.) There will be less pressure on my shoulders. In my business, we are constantly scrutinized. I’ve got to watch my appearance while this is not something that interests me. As we age, we are left more in peace. In any case, we men are.

Do you use, like other stars, stylists to care for your image? The key for me is that I'm comfortable in my clothes. That I feel is to my advantage. I do not have a stylist. I do not know if I have good taste, but I am fortunate to have a very honest wife who will tell me immediately if I am dowdy.

How do you maintain your physique? Through sport? (He looks and laughs.) Apparently not enough! I started tennis a few years ago. I love it. I also started jogging 3 months ago. I never thought I’d like that one day. I’ve done a lot of swimming and surfing since small (note: he participated in surfing competitions).

Where do you find time to do all that? It is not easy when you work, you travel constantly and have children. I have less and less time for sports and I begin to appreciate other things. I also watch the football when there are big events like the Euro. And I do not miss the major tennis tournaments. I love Nadal. Seeing him play is like watching an artist. I also like Roger Federer. It is a game very graceful and powerful.

And on the court, how would you do against them? Oh no! I play tennis like an old man. (Laughter.) I would have to protect myself from their balls!